MARK HUGHES last night warned he might take action to clear his name following the astonishing slurs thrown his way by Newcastle in the Craig Bellamy rumpus.

MARK HUGHES last night warned he might take action to clear his name following the astonishing slurs thrown his way by Newcastle in the Craig Bellamy rumpus.

The Wales manager said he might be forced down the legal route as he responded for the first time to Newcastle claims he had handled the Bellamy affair in a "disgraceful and disrespectful" manner.

Hughes' comments came as Wales defied Newcastle again yesterday, taking Bellamy with them to Milan - against the wishes of the Premiership giants - for tomorrow night's Euro 2004 table-topping showdown with Italy.

In doing so, Wales ignored the warnings thrown their way in an 11th hour solicitor's letter from Newcastle, believing they are firmly within their rights to pick Bellamy.

Newcastle even asked the English FA to intervene by barring Bellamy from going to Italy.

Their spokesman David Davies responded to the club's request by saying Wales were doing everything by the book and that the English FA were powerless to act anyway.

Quietly-spoken Hughes could scarcely contain his rage as he discussed the amazing outburst which had been thrown his way from Newcastle chief Russell Cushing on the club's official website.

The hurt clear on his face, Hughes said pointedly, "Certain comments which have been attributed to certain individuals may have to be addressed by me at a future date.

"I don't want to get involved in whether I'm insulted by the remarks or not. But let's just say I'm very surprised by what has happened.

"Everything I do as Wales manager is geared towards the well-being of my players. I would never take a risk with Craig's fitness and, as you well know, I've made that clear time and time again.

"The facts of the matter are that we have adhered to everything we are obliged to do as a national team. Craig has been assessed by our own medical team, he has been assessed by an independent specialist - and he has been given the go-ahead to train and play.

"As far as I'm concerned, he is fit and available for selection in the San Siro."

Bellamy flew out to Milan with the rest of the Welsh party following a summit meeting held at the team's training HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff on Wednesday night.

Hughes, FAW chief David Collins and Welsh surgeon John Fairclough, ironically himself a leading knee specialist, discussed in detail the solicitor's letter sent by Newcastle warning Wales against playing Bellamy.

After discussing the matter with FIFA, Wales asked their own solicitors to respond by stating they were doing everything above board.

FAW chief Collins said simply, "We have been very professional in our handling of this situation. We know the FIFA rules. Do Newcastle?"